Where it is and the towns
The Grand Strand is a roughly 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coast from Little River near the North Carolina line down to Pawleys Island and Georgetown. Myrtle Beach is the hub. North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island each have their own character — beach-town, historic-inland, family, foodie, or upscale-quiet.
Cost of living and property taxes
Cost of living here is at or below the national average, and South Carolina's property taxes are among the lowest in the country. A key local nuance: owner-occupied primary homes are assessed at a 4% ratio, while second homes and investment properties are assessed at 6% — a real difference on your tax bill. Confirm specifics with the county and a tax professional.
Jobs, healthcare and getting around
Tourism, healthcare, construction and retail anchor the economy, and remote work has brought many newcomers. Major hospital systems (Grand Strand Medical, Tidelands Health, McLeod) serve the area, and Myrtle Beach International Airport offers direct flights to many cities. Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) makes north-south travel quick once you're off the beach roads.
Weather and hurricanes
You get mild winters, hot humid summers, and a real beach lifestyle. The flip side is hurricane season (June–November). It's manageable — but budget for flood and wind insurance where applicable, and factor a home's flood zone into your search.
Choosing your area
Tell us how you'll actually live — commute, beach access, schools, budget, quiet vs. lively — and we'll narrow 60 miles of coast down to the two or three neighborhoods that fit. That's the fastest way to relocate without buying in the wrong spot.
Quick answers
Frequently asked
- What are property taxes like on the Grand Strand?
- South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S. Primary residences are assessed at a 4% ratio; second homes and investment properties at 6%. Verify your exact bill with the county.
- Is the Grand Strand a good place to live year-round?
- Yes — beyond tourism it has strong healthcare, an airport, mild winters, and a low cost of living. Many residents live here full-time; tourists are concentrated in summer and along the beach corridors.
- Do I need flood insurance on the Grand Strand?
- It depends on the property's flood zone. Some homes require it and some don't — always check the zone and get an insurance quote before you're under contract, especially near the water.